News item from the streets of America:

Due to harsh sentencing, a disproportionate number of young Black and Hispanic men are likely to be imprisoned for life under scenarios in which they are guilty of little more than a history of untreated addiction and several prior drug-related offences.

News item from the boardrooms of America:

WASHINGTON — The SEC announced a civil lawsuit on Friday alleging that six former top executives of mortgage finance titans Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac committed fraud.

After an investigation spanning two years into alleged multi-billion dollar fraud, federal prosecutors announced Thursday there will be no criminal charges brought against loan giant Fannie Mae. Potential administrative and civil actions are still under consideration.

Almost 10% of America’s young black men are incarcerated; African-Americans make up about 12 percent of the U.S. population – and about 44 percent of America’s prison inmates.

The resulting lesson: if you aim to commit a crime and stay out of jail, make sure it is a financial crime worth billions, not a $10 street transaction involving crack cocaine. Oh yeah, best be white too.